Board of Education

Board Policy

Board Meeting Dates, Agendas, and Minutes

Kerry Hegele and her husband, Paul, have three kids who attend East Grand Rapids schools. She is a former elementary school teacher and currently teaches at Western Michigan University. Kerry's work at WMU focuses on the development of pre-service teachers through field experiences in PK-5 schools. She enjoys volunteering in the community as the co-chair of EGR Hearts of Gold and a member of the Junior League of Grand Rapids. Outside of work, Kerry enjoys cheering on her kids, walking around Reeds Lake, sharing great food with friends and family, and exploring all four seasons in northern Michigan.

Matt Richenthal joined the Board of Education in January 2023. He runs a digital advertising company, is the President of the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation and is the father of two young daughters. When not watching Bluey with them or taking them to as many playgrounds as possible, he can be found at a Michigan State basketball or football game, walking his dog and/or spending time with friends.

Bill Saxton is an 11-year resident of East Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife, Barb, and their three children, Katherine, Marjorie, and William. He is a former member and vice chair of the East Grand Rapids Parks and Rec Commission, and currently serves as the Wealthy Elementary PTO Corresponding Secretary. Bill also enjoys coaching football, baseball, and soccer for many of the community’s kids.

With a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Boston University, Bill built his career as a senior computer engineer at Oracle Corporation before shifting his focus to community involvement. These days, when he’s not attending to school board duties, you can find him cooking, weightlifting, or chauffeuring his kids to their various activities around town.

Mike is a 20 year resident of East moving here from the Detroit area with his wife Trish ('89 EGR) and his three daughters, Katie, Ellie, and Julia.  Prior to his election to the Board in 2017, he spent seven years serving the community as a member of the EGR Schools Foundation Board.  Mike is an attorney, insurance executive, and most importantly a 25+ year Detroit Lions season ticket holder.  When not watching the Lions, Mike enjoys traveling with Trish and visiting his daughters all over the country.   

David Hall and his wife, Jenny, have lived in East Grand Rapids for nearly a decade with their two sons, Porter and Thurston, who attend East Grand Rapids Public Schools. David is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he advises organizations on corporate finance, governance, and restructuring.

He previously served on the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Board. David also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Grand Rapids Art Museum Foundation.

A strong believer in the power of public education, David is committed to thoughtful governance, community partnership, and supporting the district’s tradition of academic excellence and whole-child development. When not working or volunteering, he enjoys exploring West Michigan’s natural spaces with his family, cheering on his sons at various activities, and discovering new local art and music.

Dr. Kattula became Superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools in 2018. Prior to her role as superintendent, Dr. Kattula has been a classroom teacher (secondary mathematics and computer science), building principal at all three levels (EL, MS, & HS), central office administrator, and intermediate school administrator (Oakland ISD).